Shanghai man dies from H7N9 avian influenza, becomes 38th fatality

A man diagnosed with avian influenza H7N9 approximately two months ago, has succumbed to the new viral disease, say the Shanghai Municipal Health and Family Planning Commission, the Indo-Asian News Service reports Saturday.

Under a high magnification, this negatively-stained transmission electron micrograph (TEM) captured some of the ultrastructural details exhibited by the new influenza A (H7N9) virus.Image/CDC

The 59-year-old man becomes the 38th death reported due to the bird flu virus.

To date, there are a total of 132 laboratory-confirmed cases, including 38 deaths.

Influenza A(H7N9) is one of a subgroup of influenza viruses that normally circulate among birds. Until recently, this virus had not been seen in people. However, human infections have now been detected in China.

Thus far, most patients with this infection have had severe pneumonia. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

At a special presentation on the response to the recent emergence of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in China was held during the 66th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Dr Margaret Chan, the WHO Director-General said:

“Chinese officials have promptly traced, monitored, and tested thousands of patient contacts, including hundreds of health care workers. At present, human-to-human transmission of the virus is negligible. However, influenza viruses constantly reinvent themselves. No one can predict the future course of this outbreak.”

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